PHENOMENA

Based on the premise that our senses “help us navigate the world,” Jackson explores how they affect our lives and delves beyond the five familiar senses to include coverage of topics such as dreaming, intuition and even the super senses of animals. Each chapter generally opens with short personal accounts that bring a human element to the text, which helps to anchor some of the more offbeat topics and to complement the sometimes heavy facts and research presented from government agencies and higher education. Black-and-white stock photos, figures and tables appear throughout, helping to break down complicated scientific concepts, especially anatomy topics. Aiming to educate and pique reader curiosity, the author includes a listing of related websites for further exploration, a glossary of “common sense” terms and detailed source notes. Additionally, six one-page “Mind Tinglers” challenge readers to actively think about and experiment with their own senses, making the text both educational and fun. (Nonfiction. 9-12)